Virtual Satellite is a software developed by the DLR to efficiently support spacecraft systems engineering. It aims to provide an integrated design environment for engineers and to support the design process over the full development life cycle. The recent development focused on the very early feasibility studies, which are typically carried out in Concurrent Engineering Facilities. Here, the software reached a productive state and has been successfully used in several studies. The main features are:
The core element of the Virtual Satellite software is the underlying data model to represent aspects of satellite design offering the necessary flexibility and extensibility. The model uses a object-oriented approach and was defined using the Eclipse Modeling Framework (EMF). Abstract elements can be defined in the model to create a semantically correct model first and then filling it with detailed information during the design process. Virtual Satellite’s data model uses a hierarchical approach which can be displayed as a top-down tree. However, the data model is also designed to allow for discipline specific views, e.g. it is possible to view all objects related to power management and consumption. Beside parameters, the data model can also hold calculations (e.g. analytical equations), which link certain parameters and domains.
The virtual satellite initiative also functions as framework for research activities in the area of Model-based Systems Engineering, Design Theory and Formal Verification and Validation.
DLR: Institute for Space Systems